Suspects in Handibag case to be nabbed soon: Parameshwara

Home Minister G Parameshwara on Monday exuded confidence that the police will soon nab Praveen Khandya, the main suspect in Tejas Gowda kidnap case, and his accomplices as the investigators have gathered information over the latter taking refuge outside the state.

Speaking to reporters after taking part in 70th Independence Day programme, Parameshwara denied the charge that Praveen is hidden outside the country. The Police Department has taken the case seriously as a police officer (DySP Kallappa Handibag committed suicide after the FIR was filed against him for collecting ransom) fell victim.  Such incidents should not recur, he stated.

He also clarified that it is only after nabbing the accused, the investigators will be able to throw light on the influential people, if any, who are supporting perpetrators in the case.

When sought his attention over the reported charges of MLA C T Ravi that Congress is trying to implicate him in the case, Parameshwara clarified, ‘Neither I as a Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president nor Vijaykumar, president of Chikkamagaluru Congress district unit, have made any such attempts. Moreover, the MLA should not be doubtful as  Criminal Investigation Department (CID) investigating into the case is yet to submit its report. It’s only after vetting into the report, the involvement of others, will come to light.”

To  a question on moral policing, Parameshwara said the police have been told to take stringent action in such cases. He also condemned atrocities against Dalits and exhorted for an egalitarian society providing justice to all, including Dalits.

Parameshwara as the government has not interfered in Jayapura case (in Chikkamagaluru district where too Dalits were attacked reportedly by cow vigilantes).

No compromise

Referring to anti-India slogans raised at a panel discussion organised at The United Theological College in Bengaluru recenlty, Parameshwara  said there will be no compromise when it comes to patriotism as the police will initiate action against such elements.